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NRF: Holiday sales to increase 3.6% to 4%
One of the most closely watched holiday forecasts has good news for retailers. The National Retail Federation said it expects holiday retail sales in November and December to increase between 3.6% and 4% for a total of $678.75 billion to $682 billion. In 2016, up from $655.8 billion last year. The NRF forecast, which excludes automobiles, gasoline and restaurants, would meet or exceed last year’s growth of 3.6% and the five-year average of 3.5%. -
Ace Hardware acquires e-commerce startup
Ace Hardware Corp. has solidified its relationship with The Grommet. The Oak Brook, Ill.-based hardware co-op announced the acquisition of new-product platform The Grommet. The online website will continue to find and develop products, and Ace will continue its efforts to make the products available to its dealers. Financial terms of the deal were not revealed

